What kind of HP can these low ends take. Are they forged cranks and pushrods/Pistons? Or are they non forged/Hypereutectic like my lame Mustang was? My goal for my car is 300hp. Seems like a bigger turbo unit is the way to go! What do you guys think?
300whp or 300 flywheel HP? I would say 300whp is a reasonable point to start thinking about upgrading the rods and pistons. The STI shortblock components (crank, rods, pistons, and block) will bolt up to WRX heads and can handle up to and maybe beyond 400whp. up-pipe, downpipe, and a tune will get you ~250whp on the stock turbo with much improved spool times. Bigger intercoolers will get a little gain on the stock turbo. The IHI VF series of turbos seem to all make the same power within 15 or 20whp, good for between 260-280whp depending on the model. 300whp is just a bigger turbo and bigger injectors away, front mount would be ideal and probably a new transmission. I dont know exactly what the pistons are made of hopefully somebody else can chime in.
i believe the sti bottom end bits are forged, and the wrx is cast. the quickest way to 300wtq and whp would probably be tbe (price varies) and the sti bottom end (about 1800 with seals/gaskets)
Oh 300 WHP and wow a tune and up/down pipe can get you too 250 whp...that's damn decent bang for the $. I need some advice Should I purchase a stock up/downPipe and gut or should I get aftermarket? I have herad some pretty bad aftermarket stories and does it make that big of a difference between the stock/gutted circumferance vs. the aftermarket? If the difference is like 4HP I will go with stock. If it is a big # I will go with Aftermarket! The cost is definitely differen't that's for shure!
There isn't much difference between a stock gutted and a good aftermarket flex. We've got the TXS Flex's for $199... UP install is the biggest pain of any install. Normally UP, DP, and muffler is 235-245 whp. Add a $800 turbo, FMIC, injectors and fuel pump and they're all 300+ whp. SS
We are 3.5 hours for UP and DP. That's $340, and with the headaches that some UPs are, a well-spent $340. There's also some gaskets... SS